Seeking advanced nursing education?
You may be eligible for a $20,000 grant.

The MHA Center for Education’s Nursing Bridge Grant is a competitive program that offers students as much as $10,000 per academic year, or a maximum of $20,000 throughout two years. To qualify, applicants must be:

• a Missouri licensed practical or registered nurse working toward a bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing or a doctoral degree in nursing or other related field
• within two years of completing your professional education

Overview
The Nursing Bridge Grant program provides funding for nursing students seeking advanced education to become qualified nursing staff in a Missouri hospital or nursing faculty in a Missouri school of professional nursing. Applicants must have a Missouri nursing license and attend a duly accredited and licensed institution that awards the bachelor’s or master’s of science degree in nursing or doctoral degree in nursing or other appropriate field. Applicants must be eligible to graduate from the degree program in two years, with the degree completed no later than December 31, 2010.

Award Amount
A grant recipient is eligible to receive a maximum funding of $5,000 per academic year for nurses working toward a bachelor’s degree and enrolled full time in an accredited school of nursing ($3,000 for part-time enrollment). Nurses working toward a master’s degree in nursing or a doctoral degree in nursing or other appropriate field would receive a maximum of $10,000 per academic year for full-time enrollment in an accredited master or doctoral program ($5,000 for part-time enrollment). Grants are renewed automatically for one additional year of funding upon verification of continued enrollment and good standing.

How Do I Apply?
Download the application form now, or contact the human resources department at your local community hospital. To complete the application, please refer to the application instructions and checklist.

NOTE: It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all parts of the application for a Nursing Bridge Grant are completed properly and postmarked by Thursday, May 22, 2008. Failure to submit a complete application may result in the application being deemed ineligible or in a reduction of points when scored. Please mail applications to Nursing Bridge Grant Program, Missouri Hospital Association, P.O. Box 60, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0060.

When Is The Deadline?
The application deadline is Thursday, May 22, 2008.

For More Information
Contact Linda Shields, MHA health planning specialist
Phone: 573/893-3700, ext. 1375